(AP) — The University of Nebraska Medical Center will lead a $4.4 million clinical research study to evaluate whether a common over-the-counter drug can reverse the effects of emphysema.

The second-phase, three-year study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. It will look at whether ibuprofen can reduce inflammation in the lungs.

UNMC’s Dr. Stephen Rennard says emphysema has been regarded as an irreversible type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because the lung’s ability to repair itself is suppressed.

Study participants will take 600 milligrams of ibuprofen or a placebo three times a day. Researchers will measure lung inflammation and determine whether those taking ibuprofen saw some lung repair.

If it works, researchers will seek approval to conduct a larger clinical study in patients.